'Bruising' Tymal Mills 'batters' England batsmen to help prepare for Oz pace attack

England cricketer Tymal Mills, often touted as the 'fastest bowler in England', has reportedly 'battered' three England batsmen with his 'bruising' onslaught in the nets as he helped the touring side prepare for a pace attack from Australians in the winter Ashes series.

The Essex fast bowler, along with another county player Harry Gurney, is putting England's batsmen through their paces to provide a similar contest to the one that Mitchell Johnson might pose during the Ashes.

According to the Mirror, however, facing Mills is proving to be a tough job for the cricketers, especially captain Alastair Cook, batsman Joe Root and newcomer Michael Carberry, although the trio accepts it as a part and parcel of preparing for the Ashes.

The report mentioned that Cook is wearing a multi-coloured shiner on his right arm where Mills has pinned him twice, while Root has been banged on the helmet and Carberry in the stomach.

Mills said that he has not intended to hurt any player and put them out of Ashes contention as he himself belongs to England, adding that he and Gurney have been just following their orders to give England some practise against left arm quick bowling.

Mills further said that the players have taken the hits in 'good jest', adding that they will expect a similar attack in a couple of weeks time against Australia in the shape of Mitchell Johnson, James Faulkner and Mitchell Starc if they play.